HANDS-ON : Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic

With the plethora of dress watches announced by Jaeger-LeCoultre at SIHH 2014, a new limited edition sports watch was almost missed by some, but for fans of all-black ceramic pieces, and of chronographs, there was something of interest.

The new Master Compresor Chronograph Ceramic is not just a chronograph but also a dual-time display, in a large 46mm ceramic case that sits comfortably like a 44mm watch on the wrist.

It features Jaeger’s patented compression key which is part of the Master Compressor range; what this means is that a half-turn of the key over-compresses one of the crown’s four toric gaskets and locks it securely into position, preventing any moisture or water from accidentally entering and damaging the watch.

Functionally, this new ceramic piece has a column-wheel chronograph, GMT with day/ night indicator (below the ‘Jaeger-LeCoultre’ text), and the date in a window between 4 and 5 o’clock.

The hours and minute hands are lumed for visibility, but the GMT hand, not.

There is a classic dual register design to the chronograph component, with a 30-clock minute counter at 3 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock respectively. The third sub-dial is that of a small seconds, at 6 o’clock.

An ever popular red central seconds hand is there to off-set the all-black of the watch

As mentioned at the outset, this watch feels and sits smaller on the wrist than many 46mm sized watches. It comes on a Trieste calfskin strap which has a satin-brushed steel pin buckle. For those who are fans of this type of watch but scared of the size, don’t be. The strap is comfortable and it sits well on the wrist.

Inside is the automatic JLC Calibre 757 with 65 hour power reserved, but it is not visible, due to a closed case back. As this is a column-wheel chronograph, the inability to see it may disappoint the movement fans.

How limited is this new model? Well if you want one, there are 500 up for grabs. Australian RRP is $16,900.